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Apoptosis by Zinc Deficiency

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Zinc Finger Proteins

Part of the book series: Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit ((MBIU))

Abstract

Zinc is an essential trace element for all forms of life. Zinc deficiency affects many systems because of the many roles it encompasses, such as in metabolism (including the activity of more than 300 enzymes), the structure of many proteins and control of genetic expression. Homeostatic regulation of this trace metal is extremely crucial, with zinc status affecting basic processes of cell division, growth, differentiation and apoptosis. The role of zinc in the regulation of apoptosis is not fully understood. The present review describes the current literature surrounding zinc deprivation and the induction of apoptotic cell death, and attempts to dissect the various molecular mechanisms involved in the process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

    Kirsteen H. Maclean

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  1. Kirsteen H. Maclean
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Shiro Iuchi

  2. Biological Engineering Division, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

    Natalie Kuldell

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Maclean, K.H. (2005). Apoptosis by Zinc Deficiency. In: Iuchi, S., Kuldell, N. (eds) Zinc Finger Proteins. Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-27421-9_36

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